First-half goals give Socceroos 3-0 victory over Qatar
Four players made their international debuts as Tony Popovic’s side defeated the reigning Asian Cup champions in Doha.
Australia scored three times before half-time to beat Qatar 3-0 in a Doha friendly, with Riley McGree, Tete Yengi and Nestory Irankunda finding the net against the Asian Cup holders.
A misplaced pass by Qatar goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada allowed McGree to open the scoring after five minutes. He finished left-footed into an empty net for his second international goal, four years after his first.
Connor Metcalfe then capitalised on an Abunada clearance to release Yengi, who scored shortly after the half-hour. Another Metcalfe intervention set up Irankunda five minutes before half-time, taking his international tally to eight goals.
Eli Adams, Sam Klein, Kasey Bos and Diesel Herrington made their Australia debuts during a second half marked by numerous substitutions. Kusini Yengi replaced his brother Tete at half-time.
Qatar’s first attempt came after 72 minutes. Australia finished with 14 shots, compared with three for the hosts.
Coach Tony Popovic said Australia’s pressing had been physically demanding in the conditions, particularly for players arriving from cooler weather in Europe. He acknowledged that the substitutions had affected the team’s cohesion after the break.
Australia’s next opponent is Jordan, with that match also to be played in Doha rather than requiring the Socceroos to travel to Amman.
